WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. September 9, 2003: Four White Plains Fire Companies and mutual aid assistance from other fire departments, including Greenburgh and New Rochelle, are fighting a major blaze engulfing Bet AmShalom Synagogue as of 11:30 A.M Tuesday morning. The stately synagogue was enshrouded in black and white smoke, turning a sunny day into night, with flames heard crackling in the morning air, and visible through the smoke. Flames had engulfed the top of the roof, appearing to be underneath the roof peak to the left of the entrance. Firefighters were streaming high powered water on and into the structure.

THE BET AM SHALOM  FIRE as it appeared at 11:15 A.M. Entrance is at right. Photo by WPCNR News.

Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, David Chong told WPCNR the fire was discovered by a caretaker arriving at approximately 9:30 A.M. "She smelled smoke, felt the heat, and phoned in the alarm," Chong reported. "We received the alarm at 10 A.M."

Chong said 75 firefighters were involved, that it was a four-alarm fire, and neighboring fire companies were providing mutual assistance. As WPCNR left the scene to file this story, firetrucks from New Rochelle were arriving. Chong described the building as fully engulfed, and said that it was not under control as of 11:30 A.M. The fire was being fought from the west side of the building.

Chong said "The cause is undetermined at this time."

FLAMES APPEAR SHOOTING FROM THE ROOF OF THE SYNAGOGUE. View is from the North. Photo by WPCNR News

SYNAGOGUE AT 11:30 A.M. Photo by WPCNR News